as in bought
made beforehand in large numbers
she chose to have her computer designed to her specifications rather than buying an off-the-shelf machine
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Recent Examples of off-the-shelf
The setup costs are kept low by using off-the-shelf products to avoid scaring off farmers with high upfront charges.
—
Chris Stokel-Walker, Fortune, 26 June 2025
However, Sánchez said the policy would force Spain to purchase off-the-shelf equipment instead of cultivating its own industrial base, as recorded in his letter.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 19 June 2025
His answer: a serum powered by a first-of-its-kind vitamin A derivative, formulated to penetrate deeper than off-the-shelf retinoids—without the ingredient’s signature irritation.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 13 June 2025
At the same time, the company has sought to use off-the-shelf parts wherever possible.
—Calif.
senior Correspondent, Time, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for off-the-shelf
Chris Stokel-Walker, Fortune, 26 June 2025
However, Sánchez said the policy would force Spain to purchase off-the-shelf equipment instead of cultivating its own industrial base, as recorded in his letter.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 19 June 2025
His answer: a serum powered by a first-of-its-kind vitamin A derivative, formulated to penetrate deeper than off-the-shelf retinoids—without the ingredient’s signature irritation.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 13 June 2025
At the same time, the company has sought to use off-the-shelf parts wherever possible.
—Calif.
senior Correspondent, Time, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for off-the-shelf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for off-the-shelf
Adjective
-
The chain said that refunds would be available to patrons who had pre-bought tickets.—
Patrick Frater,
Variety,
14 July 2022
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Cineplex has also begun offering refunds to all customers that pre-bought tickets for upcoming film screenings.—
Etan Vlessing,
The Hollywood Reporter,
3 Jan. 2022
Adjective
-
The store cuts come months after Kroger announced two rounds of layoffs of an unspecified number of non-store workers this spring.—
Alexander Coolidge,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
20 June 2025
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Closures come after two rounds of layoffs The store closures come months after Kroger announced two rounds of layoffs of an unspecified number of non-store workers this spring.—
Jonathan Limehouse,
USA Today,
29 Nov. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Off-the-shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/off-the-shelf. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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